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COUJ^TY OF LITCHFIELD . 

BY JAMES MORRIS, ESQ. 



JL he County of Litchfield is bounded ©n the 
North by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 
West by the State of New- York, on the South by the 
Counties of Fairfield and New-Haven, and on the East 
by the County of Hartford. It contains the following 
towns and parishes, viz. 

Litchfield, including South Farms, Northfield, and 

Milton, parishes ; 
Barkhampstead ; 

Bethlehem, customarily, but falsely, written Bet/ilem; 
Canaan, including the parish of North- Canaan ; 
Colebrook ; 

Cornwall, including two parishes ; 
Goshen ; 
Harwinton ; 
Kent ; 

New- Hartford ; 

New-Milford, including the parish of Bridgewater ; 
Norfolk ; 



Plymouth ; 



N 



/ 



S6 ji Statistical Accou eral Towns 

Roxbury ; 

Salisbury ; 

Sharon^ including the paris' 'Isworth ; 

Torrington, including the r Torringford ; 

Warren ; / 

Washington, including Iv m ; 

Watertown ; 

Winchester, including 

Woodbury. 

22 Towns, a'fid 32 Parishes. 

Litchfield is the shire town of the county, and is sit- 
uated in latitude North 41*^ 50". It is about nine miles 
in length from east to west, and about eight miles from 
north to south. It contains 70 sqaare miles, and about 
44,800 acres. It is bounded on the north by Goshen 
and Torrington ; on the east by Mattatuck or Nauga- 
tuck River, which divides it from Harwinton ; on the 
south by Watertown, Bethlehem and Plymouth j and on 
the west by Washington and Warren. 

Litchfield is distant 100 miles from New- York, 36 
miles from New-Haven, and 30 miles from Hartford. 

In 1718, a Company purchased of the Colony of Con- 
necticut, a tract of land, called by the Indian name 
Bantam., intended to cover 10 miles square. The prop- 
erty was divided into sixty shares, under the name of 
Proprietors' Rights, and was valued at £5 per right. 
By the survey, it was distributed into equal lots, of a 
certain number of acres in each lot. The proprietors, 
wlio made the purchase and the first settlement, were 
principally from Hartford, Windsor, and Lebanon. In 
the years 1720 and 1721, several families began to set- 
tle on the tract. Nothing appears on record to show 
that the proprietors purchased any of the lands in this 
town, of the Indians ; the title having been previously 
extinguished by the Colony. The lands in this town 
afforded better hunting ground for the Indians, than ex- 
tensive intervals. Many of the hills were nearly cleared 
of trees by fires, kindled for the purpose of hunting. 
To this remark, however, many valuable tracts, con- 
taining excellent pine and other forest trees, were an 
important exception. 



in the County of Liichjidd. 87 

There are in this town four Ponds, viz. 
The Great Pond, covering an area of about 900 acres. 
Mount-Tom Pond, a part of which lies in 

the town of Washington, - - 72 acres. 
Little Pond, - - - - - 15 acres. 

Cranberry Pond, . - . . =8 acres. 

The principal Rivers are. 

The Mattatuck, as it was called in the grant of this 
town, alias Naugatuck. This river, commonly called 
Waterbury River, rises in Norfolk, and runs from north 
to south, forming the eastern boundary of Litchfield. It 
affords many fme mill-seats. 

Shippauge River enters the township at the north- 
west, in two branches, and becomes a part of the west- 
ern boundary, dividing it from Washington and War- 
ren. This is also a valuable stream, and furnishes ex- 
cellent mill-seats. 

Bantam River, which rises in Goshen, enters Litch- 
field in two branches, and passes diagonally from north- 
east to south-west, within half a mile of the court- 
house on the east ; emptying its waters into the Little 
Pond. 

The waters of the Great Pond, Little Pond, and the 
Cranberry Pond, are all connected. The outlet of the 
■ Great Pond, which is at the north end, forms the most 
valuable mill-seats within the township ; and unites with 
the Shippauge, a tributary of the Hooestennuc. 

Mount Tom Pond is on elevated ground, upon the 
north side of that eminence. Its waters are of greater 
depth than any other in the township. It is supplied 
chiefly by subjacent sprin-gs. 

The Mountains in this town are few. Mount Tom, 
on the western boundary, which, by measure, from the 
margin of the river on the south side to its summit, is 
about 700 feet, perpendicular height. Little Mount 
Tom and Mount Prospect are of less elevation. Some 
parts of these mountains are not capable of cultivation, 
as the}^ consist of precipices and piles of rocks. There 
is also on the eastern part of the town, near Mattatuck 
River, a considerable range of mountainous land, exten- 



88 A Statistical Account of several Towns 

sively composed of ledges, incapable of cultivation, and 
generally dipping to the west. The ordinary course of 
the hills is from north to south, and the ascent, in many 
places, steep and long. Most of the hills are capable 
of cultivation to their summits. Contiguous to the 
Great Pond, and on parts of Bantam River, there is 
a large Flat, containing more than 1000 acres, about 
half of which is low meadow, exhibiting internal evi- 
dence of being alluvial. The other part of the tract is 
sand, gravel, and plain. 

The Soil of the township, generally, is black and red 
loam, and clay. From the variety of the soil, there is a 
corresponding variety of forest trees ; sugar maple, but- 
ton-wood, willow, hornbeam, sassafras, butternut, beach, 
birch, pine, hemlock, oak, hickory, elm, pepperidge, 
bass, poplar, chesnut, wild cherry, dogwood, alder. Sec. 
Perhaps there is no town in Connecticut, with so dense 
a population, which is so well supplied with wood and 
timber, as Litchfield. Few places yield finer views. 
From some of the eminences may be seen the hills on 
the eastern side of Connecticut River, and the Catskill 
mountains on the west of the Hudson. One of them is 
about a mile north-west of the court-house, from which 
there is a very enchanting view. 

Animals. Many years after the settlement of this 
town, deer, bears, and wild turkies, were numerous. 
Deer and bears have been taken by hunters, between 
the years 1760 and 1770, and tuikies at a later period. 
Wild-cats occasionally visit us, and destroy sheep and 
lambs. A small tract near the north-east part of this 
town, is rough and ledgy, and affords them a refuge 
from hunters and their dogs. Considerable mischief 
was done by them in the winters of 1811 and 1812. 

Fish. The fish in our waters are various. In the 
Great, Little, and Cranberry Ponds, and their tributary 
streams, no trout have ever been taken. The fish in 
these waters are eels, perch, roach, suckers, shiners, 
red-fins, and bull-heads or cat-fish. In the winter of 
1809, twenty-eight pickerel were taken in a pond in 
South wick, near Granby, transported in casks of water 



in the County of Litchfield. 89 

by sleighs, and put into the Cranberry Pond. Their 
progeny now begin to be taken in considerable numbers. 
What effect they will have in destroying the former oc- 
cupants, remains to be proved. Probably the shiners, 
red-fins, and smaller perch, will many of them be de- 
stroyed : yet it is thought that the pickerel will be a 
valuable acquisition. 

Minerals. No mines of consequence have ever been 
discovered in this town. Lime-stone has been found in 
a few places, but too much mixed with silex. It is not es- 
teemed nor much used for plastering. In several ridges 
are found good hearth-stones, which are capable of being 
split, squared, and made suitable for building. There 
is one small quarry of an inferior kind of slate. The 
principal rocks are said to be accidental, primordial, and 
quartz. But a very few rocks are calcareous ; it is 
said only four. In the eastern part of the town there is 
a quarry of free or sand-stone, called Culver's Quarry, 
used for hearths, &:c. But these stones are too soft to 
be durable. Some small veins of iron ore have been 
found : other minerals are unknown in Litchfield. 

There are in this town, 4 forges for iron ; 

1 slitting-mill ; 
1 oil-mill ; 
1 paper-mill ; 

1 nail manufactory ; 
6 fulling-mills ; 

5 grist-mills ; 
18 saw-mills ; 
5 large tanneries, besides sun- 
dry others on a small scale. 

2 comb manufactories ; 
2 hatters' shops ; 

2 carriage-makers ; 

2 carding machines for wool ; 

1 Tnachiiie for making wood- 
en clocks : 

1 cotton manufactory ; 

1 phaeton ; 1 coachee, and 
46 two- wheel pleasure carria- 
ges. 



\ 



"^0 vf Statistical Accoimt of several Towns 

There are in Litchfield^, 11 justices of the peace ; 

7 attorneys at law ; 
7 physicians ; 
1 surgeon ; 
Jl merchants, dealing in dry 
goods and groceries ; 
3 goldsmiths ; 
19 house-carpenters and join- 
ers ; 
1 cabinet-maker ; 
3 saddlers ; 
10 taverns, and 
26 school districts. 
There were shorn in this town, in May and June, 1811., 
6784 sheep. 

Litchfield is well watered with durable springs, brooks 
^-and rivulets. Sundry of the brooks furnish good seats 
ifor saw- mills, and other water machines. In conse- 
quence of clearing lands, springs and brooks fail about 
one third. Wells are from ten to twenty-five feet in 
depth. No accidents have happened in this town by 
mephitic air. One medicinal spring has been found 
-within half a mile of the court-house. Its waters have 
not been analyzed ; yet, from experiment, they appear 
to be chalybeate and sulphureous. They have been ef- 
ficacious in obstinate rheum, and cutaneous eruptions. 

The price of wood for fuel, per cord, is, for hickory, 
from two to three dollars ; oak, from S1.75 to S2.25. 
Wood is apparently decreasing, and the price increas- 
'ing. As to the proper time of felling timber for dura- 
bility, or wood for fuel, facts only will be stated. In the 
3'^car 1792, a man determined to build a pale fence, to 
inclose his garden and court-yard. He accordingly cut 
liis timber for posts, rails and pales, in the months of 
January and February ; and in the month of May or 
June he set up his fence ; but found that he had not 
posts enough by seven. He went into his grove, and 
cut the same kind of timber for his posts, which were 
wanting, peeled oft' the bark, and hewed them on one 
side, as he had done his others, and set them in the 
ground in the same manner. In the year 1799, the sev- 



in the County of Litchfield. ^ 9i' 

en^ posts, which he had cut in June, were entirely decay- 
ed, so that he was obliged to replace them with new 
ones ; while those which he had cut in the winter, stood 
firm till the year 1806. Pine wood, which is cut in Ja- 
nuary or February, when the pores of the wood are in. 
their most contracted state, will burn longer, and make 
a clean, still fire ; while that, which is cut when the sap 
is in its full and flowing state, in the months of May or 
June, will cause a continual snapping, and send coals, 
and sparks of fire into the room. Timber, which is cut 
for staves in the winter, when made into barrels, will 
hold whatever is put in thenij if well made ; but barrels 
made of the same kind of timber, cut when the sap flows 
most freely, will leak. Whatever liquid is put into 
them, there will be a constant exuding, or filtration, be- 
tween the staves,, and apparently through the pores of 
the wood. 

Land in this town, within thirty years past, has in- 
creased in value nearly one hundred per cent. The 
price of rye is generally from 83 cents to 1 dollar per 
bushel ; Indian corn, from 67 to 83 cents ; oats, from. 
34 to 42 cents ; and buckwheat, 50 cents per bushel. 
The produce of rye upon an acre, is from 8 to 30 bush- 
els ; and of flax, from 50 to 300 weight. 

Farmers plant, annually, from one to five acres of land 
with potatoes. Gypsum, or plaster of Paris, has been 
found to increase a crop of potatoes, by putting a small 
quantity on the potatoe, when planted. Plaster of Paris 
. 'H much increase a crop of clover, by sowing it on the 
lai d in the month of April or May. 

Stable manure is the most suitable for the soil in this 
town, generally. The lands are much better cultivated 
than formerly ; more attention being paid to manure, par- 
ticularly to the use of plaster. Many tracts, which here- 
tofore were unproductive, now yield from 30 to 35 bush- 
els of Indian corn per acre. Not many fields will bear 
a succesion of the same crop to advantage, unless richlv 
dressed with manure. The more common manner is 
not to plough more than two years in succession, before 
seeding down to grass. The hay is excellent on up- 
land ; and from better management, the second crop is 
much increased. The great increase of sheep improves 



92 A Statistical Account of several Towns 

the quality of grazing lands. Great effects are produ- 
ced on meadows by irrigation ; but the water should not 
be suffered to flow on upland mowing till some time in 
May, when the ground has become suitably warm ; oth- 
erwise it will produce a coarse kind of grass, and injure 
the crop. The best seed time for rye, is the first week 
in September : for wheat, to preserve it from insects, 
the beginning of October. Rye may be brought from 
the sea-side to advantage, as may flax-seed also; but In- 
dian corn will do best when the seed is procured from 
the northward ; for example, from Vermont or New- 
Hampshire. This is the case with most kinds of garden 
vines, such as squashes, cucumbers, &c. 

Oxen and carts are best for the farm ; for transporta- 
tion, horses and waggons. Some few ox-waggons are 
used, but they are inconvenient for the business of the 
fium. 

Chesnut timber is most used for fencing ; but since it 
has begun sensibly to decrease, stone walls, with posts 
and two or three rails, are becoming more and more nu- 
merous. 

Apple-trees prosper on stony and ledgy lands, and 
generally do best in a western or south-western expo- 
sure. Lands, which are not arable, answer well for or- 
chards : yet the ground should be kept loose by ma- 
nure. Sheaves of flax are found to be beneficial, when 
spread under apple-trees. To make good cider, apples 
should be well ground, and the pomace be thrown into 
tubs or vats, and thus stand from 24 to 48 hours before 
it is pressed out, as the weather happens to be warm or 
cold. Unslacked stone lime is an excellent thing to 
cleanse cider casks which are musty. Take a pint of 
unslacked lime ; put it into the barrel ; then pour in two 
or three quarts of water ; shake it a'bout, and let it re- 
main in the cask 24 hours : then thoroughly rinse the 
cask, and it will be free from must. 

Waggons, drawn either by one or two horses, are 
much used by the inhabitants of Litchfield. 

The first pleasure carriage (a chair) was brought into 
this town by Mr. Matthews, mayor of New- York, in 
the year 1776, and is still in use here : the first um- 
brella, in the year 1772. 



in the County of Jatchfield. 93 

There are five Turnpike roads leading from this town. 
One from Litchfield to New-Haven, called the Straits 
turnpike : one from the western part of the town to 
Ncw-Milford, called the Litchfield and New-Milford 
turnpike : one from Litchfield through Harwinton to 
Hartford, called the Litchfield and Harwinton turnpike : 
one from Litchfield to Canaan, called the Litchfield and 
Canaan turnpike : one from this town to New- Hart- 
ford, leaving this town at the north-east corner, called 
the New-Hartford turnpike. There is also a turnpike 
road on the eastern boundary, running contiguously to 
Mattatuck or Waterbury river, uniting with the Straits 
turnpike at Salem, and running to Massachusetts line, 
through Winchester and Colebrook. As the rivers and 
rivulets are small, the Bridges are not worthy of a par-, 
ticular description. The expense of keeping them in re- 
pair amounts to between two and three hundred dollars 
annually. 

In the 26 School Districts, schools are kept. In the 
winter season, they are generally kept by male instruct- 
ors ; and in the summer season, by females. The price 
to instructors is from 7 to 15 dollars, exclusive of 
board, per month : to females, from iS3.50 to 7 dollars 
per month, exclusive of board. The price of board is 
from SL50 to 2 dollars per week, including washing. 

Miss Sarah Pierce opened a school in this town, for 
the instruction of females, in the year 1792, which has 
very justly merited, and acquired, a distinguished repu- 
tation. 

The Hon. Tapping Reeve, Esq. one of the Judges of 
the Supreme Court, commenced a Law School in Litch- 
field, in the year 1784 ; and continued it, under his own 
tuition, till the year 1798. At this period, 210 young 
gentlemen had been students in his school, and qualified 
for admission to the bar. In the year 1798, James 
Gould, Esq. became a joint instructor with Judge Reeve ; 
and from that time to March, 1812, 264 young gentle- 
men have been educated here : in the whole, 474. 
Without doing injustice, it may be safe to remark, that 
the science of law has been more systematically taught 
in this school, than in any other of the kind in the Uni- 
ted States. 



94 ^4 Statistical Account of several Tcn.vns 

Litchfield, as has been mentioned, was settled in the 
year 1720 ; but it was not incorporated till the year 
1724. By the act of incorporation, the grant was made 
to John Marsh, of Hartford, to John Buel, of Lebanon, 
and their associates ; amounting to 57. The Indian 
name of this town was Bantam. It took the nume of 
Litchfield when it was incorporated. The first founders 
built log houses. The settlement proceeded as fast as 
could be reasonably expected from the circumstances. 
During frequent wars between England and France, the 
Canadians and Indians often harrassed our borders ; and 
Litchfield, being a frontier town, was exposed to their 
ravages. Between the years 1720 and 1730, five houses 
were surrounded with palisadoes. One of these stood 
on the ground near the present court-house ; another, 
about half a mile south ; one east, and one west of the 
centre ; and one in South Farms, Soldiers were then 
stationed here, to guard the inhabitants, both while they 
were at work. in. the field, and while they were attending 
public worship on the Sabbath. 

The first white male person born in Litchfield, v/as 
Gershom Gibbs, in the month of July, 1721 ; and the- 
first funeral was in the year 1722, of an infant child of 
Mr, John Calkins. 

The first Congregational minister was the Rev. Tim- 
othy Collins, a native of Guilford ; graduated at Yale 
College, 1718 ; and ordained on the 19th of June, O. S. 
1723. On the 6th day of November, 1721, the inhabi- 
tants voted to give Mr. Timothy Collins a call to settle 
with them in the Gospel ministry ; and at the same meet- 
ing, they voted the foKowing salary, viz. £57 for the 
first four years ; for the 5th year, £60 ; for the 6th year, 
£70 ; and for the 7th year, and so long as he should 
continue with them in the work of the ministry, £80. 
In addition to this salary, they voted to give him his 
fire-wood. Mr. Collins accepted the call on the 12th 
day of December, 1721 ; and why he was not ordained 
till the time ai)ove mentioned, does not appear on rec- 
ord. Mr. Collins continued in the work of the ministry 
till the 15th of November, 1752; and was then dismiss- 
ed at his own request. In May, 1753, he was appoint- 



in the Coujity of Litchfield. 95 

oed a justice of the peace. Ue also practised physic ; 
and died here in the year 1776. 

The second Congregational minister was the Rev. 
Jiidah Champion, a native of East-Haddam. He was 
born on the 21st day of August. O. S. in the year 1729 ; 
was graduated at Yale College, September, 1751; was 
licensed to preach the gospel, in October, 1752 ; and was 
ordained to the work of the ministry in this town, on the 
4di of July, 1753. He continued in the ministry till the 
17th of October, 1798 ; at which time the Rev. Dan 
Huntington was ordained his colleague. Mr.. Hunting- 
ton, in January, 1807, was dismissed at his own request; 
was settled again at Middletown ; and is still living. 

The fourth and present minister, is the Rev. Lyman 
.Beecher, who was installed May 30th, 1810. 

Mr. Champion died Oct. 5th, 1810, in the 82d year 
of his age. His congregation continued his salary till 
his death. Mr. Champion preached a half century ser- 
mon in July, 1803; in which he mentioned, that 280 
persons had joined the church under his care, in full 
communion, and 426 had owned the covenant. He al- 
so mentioned, that he had married 1316 persons; bap- 
tized 2142 : and that the deaths in this town, during his 
ministry to 1798, were. 1530 — at an average, about 30 
-annually. Mr. Champion held the doctrines of grace, 
as they were understood by the. early Reformers. Du- 
ring the first part of his.ministry, the whole town, ex- 
cept the Episcopalians, were under his pastoral charge. 
He was ** instant in season, and out of season ;" abound- 
ing especially in the, laborious duties of visiting thefam- 
.ilies of his people, pra3^ing with the sick and dying by 
night and by day, and comforting the afHicted. In this 
jespect, peculiarly ,'.is his memory blessed. 

Thcrinhabitants arexhicfly natives of this State, and 
in their nianners are purely New-Englanders. Only 
two European families havesettled in Litchfield : they 
came from, Ireland, and were respectable. The num 
ber of inhabitants, according to the census in the year 
1800, was 4285 : .47 of this number were free blacks. 
According to the census in 1810, there were 4639 ; of 
which number, 77 were blacks. The total increase of 
inhabitants, in ten years, is 35,4. 



96 ^ Statistical Account of several Towns 

Litchfield being in an elevated situation, tlie aii- is 
generally pure and salubrious. The township abounds 
in good springs of water, aiid has been noted for being 
remarkably healthy. The inhabitants have rarely ex- 
perienced any sweeping or epidemic diseases. The 
dysentery prevailed in 1776 and 1777. In those two 
years there was the greatest mortality ever known : Two 
hundred persons died, belonging to this town ; but about 
30 of this number died in New- York, having been made 
prisoners of war at Fort- Washington. Most of them 
Avere young men. The first man born in this town, was 
of the number. 

April, 1723, the inhabitants voted to build their first 
Church ; and the house was finished witiiin three years. 
It was built in a plain manner, and without a steeple. 
Its dimensions were 45 feet in length, and ^5 in breadth. 
The front was within a few feet of the north side of the 
present church in the first society. At the raising of 
this building, all the adult males in the whole township, 
being present, sate on the sills at once. In the year 
1760, the inhabitants agreed to build their present 
church; and completed it in the year 1762. Some time 
after, a bell was procured. There are now, in the 
whole township, four churches for Congregationalists, 
five for Episcopalians, a court-house, and gaol. A large 
new gaol and gaoler's house are now building. 

Litchfield being a frontier town when it was first set- 
tled, the inhabitants were often alarmed. In May, 1722, 
Captain Jacob Griswould, being at work alone in a field, 
about one mile west of the present court-house, two In- 
dians suddenly rushed upon him from the woods, took 
him, pinioned his arms, and carried him oft'. They 
travelled in a northerly direction, and the same day ar- 
rived in some part of the township now called Canaan, 
then a wilderness. The Indians kindled a fire, and af- 
ter binding their prisoner hand and foot, lay down to 
sleep. Griswould, fortunately disengaging his hands 
and his feet, while his arms were yet pinioned, seized 
their guns, and made his escape into the woods. After 
travelling a small distance, he sat down, and waited till 
the dawn of day ; and although his arms were still pin- 
ioned, he carried both the guns. TIk; savages awoke 



in the County of Litchjield. 97 

in the morning, and finding their prisoner gone, imme- 
diately pursued him ; they soon overtook him, and kept 
in sight of him the greater part of the day, while he was 
making his way iiomeward. When they came near, he 
turned and pointed one of his pieces at them : they then 
fell back. In this manner he travelled till near sun- 
set; when he reached an eminence, in an open field, 
about one mile north-west of the present court-house. 
He then discharged one of his guns, which immediately 
summoned the people to his assistance. The Indians 
fled, and Griswould safely returned to his family. 

The capture of Griswould made the inhabitants more 
cautious for a while ; but their fears soon subsided. In 
the month of August following, Mr. Joseph Harris, a 
respectable inhabitant, was at work in the woods alone, 
not far from the place where Griswould was taken; and 
being attacked by a party of Indians, attempted to make 
his escape. The Indians pursued him ; and finding that 
they could not overtake him, they shot him dead, and 
scalped him. As Harris did not return, the inhabitant's 
were alarmed, and some search was made for him ; but 
the darkness of the night checked their exertions. The 
next morning they found his body, and gave it a decent 
burial. Harris was killed near the north end of the 
plain, where the road turns towards Milton, a little east 
of a school-house, now standing ; and for a long time 
after, this plain was called Harris's Plain. 

The customs and manners of the first settlers of Litch- 
field, were plain and simple. Their clothing was of their 
own domestic manufacture ; and their food, of their owji 
raising. Foreign luxuries were scarcely made use of, 
till about the year 1750. Their amusements were of 
the athletic kind. When young people of both sexes 
assembled togetiier for amusem.ent, they employed them- 
selves principally in dancing, while one of the companv 
sung. The first use of the violin in this town for a 
dance, was in the year 1748. The whole expense of 
the amusement, although the young people gener^AlIy as- 
sembled, did not exceed one dollar ; out of which the 
fiddler was paid. When this instance of profusion took 
place, parents and old people exclaimed, that they should 
be ruined by the extravagance of the youth. In the 



'98 ji Statistical Account of several Towirs 

-year .1798, a ball, with the customary entertainment and 
variety of music, cost about S160, and nothing was said 
about it. Such has been the diiFerence in .the manners 
of Litchfield, within half a century. It is not inferred 
.from this difference, that our youth are at present more 
vicious than formerly ; but it serves to show a material 
difference in the wealth and character of the people. 

There has been but one instance of murder in this 
town, since its first settlement, and that was perpetrated 
by John Jacob, an Indian, upon another Indian, in the 
month of February, 1768. The murderer was execu- 
ted the same year. 

There have been but three executions in this town 
•for capital offences ; and these include all which have 
taken place in the county of Litchfield. The first was 
the Indian above named. The second was a man by 
the name of Barnet Davenport, a native of New-Mil- 
ford, convicted of both murder and arson : He was ex- 
ecuted on the 8th day of May, 1780, aged 20 years. 
A particular account of the perpetration may be seen in 
the statistical account of Washington, where the crime 
was committed. The third was a man named Goss, 
for murdering his wife, in one of the northern towns of 
this county. 

The sentence of death was pronounced iii>on an in- 
habitant, though not a native of this town, named Wash- 
burn, for bestiality, in the year 1801 : But, the evening 
before the day appointed for his execution, he put an 
end to his own life by taking laudanum. 

In the year 1777, a man named Daniel Griswould, a 
native of Litchfield, was executed in New-Haven, pur- 
suant to the sentence of a court-martial, for enticing 
and enlisting sundry men, as soldiers, to join the Brit- 
ish, and fight against their country, in the revolutionary 
war. He enlisted four men in this town, but they were 
pardoned in consequence of enlisting into the service of 
the United States during the war. 

There have been eight instances of suicide in this 
town, beside Washburn ; all since the year 1780. The 
iirst, a man in the meridian of life, said to be insane. 
He was affected by a singular morbid depression, and 
hung himself in his ow^n barn. 



in the Counti/ of Liichjitld. 90' 

The second was a young man. He had, for about 
two years before this event, received repeated contu- 
sions on the back part of his head, by accidental falls, 
and otherwise ; by which means he was at times much 
elevated in his spirits, and at others much depressed and 
melancholy. But it is presumed that the suicide was 
owing to his having his fortune told to him by a tran- 
sient woman, who one day came into his father's house, 
when this young man was about 17 years old ;, and pre- 
tended to be acquainted with the mystery of fortune- 
telling. She told the unfortunate young man, that he 
would die before he was 19 years old. The confidence 
which he placed in the prediction, increased his melan- 
choly, and very probably was the real cause of his un- 
timely death ; for, fearing he might die some painful 
death, he hung himself on a beam of his father's cider- 
mill, a few days before the time predicted. He died 
April 19th, 1790. 

The third instance was a young. man, said to be in- 
sane. He huns; himself in a barn. 

The fourth instance was a married woman, who had 
passed the meridian of life. She had for some tune be- 
fore been afflicted with a despairing melancholy, and de- 
pression jand finally cut her own throat with a razor, iu 
the year 1800. 

The fifth was a foreigner, killfed by voluntary intoxi- 
cation. He was found dead in his own bed, with part 
of a bottle of brandy clasped in his arms, and procured 
for that purpose. 

The sixth, a man over 60 years of age. He was in- 
temperate,, and said to be insane : he hung himself in a 
barn. 

The seventh was a man of middle age. He was af- 
flicted with melancholy, and said to be insane. 

The eighth was a married woman, who, in a fit of 
passion, hung herself in her house. Her husband was 
arrested, and tried for a high-handed misdemeanor in 
the premises, but was acquitted. The man and wo- 
man, a short time before, had moved into this town from 
Hartford. The rest were inhabitants. 

There have been but four persons drowned in the wa- 
ters of this township^ since its first settlement. The 



100 A Statistical Account of several Towns 

.first was John Kilby, a foreigner, who fell out of a small 
canoe, \v'hile crossing the Great Pond alone, on the 10th 
of September, 1787. The second was a son of James 
Wickwire, who, on the 11th day of December, 1793, 
fell through the ice, while playing on the Great Pond 
with his school-mates. 

On the evening of the sixteenth day of December, 
1812, William H. Bennett, of South-Carolina, aged 16 
years, and William Ensign, aged 14, school-mates, then 
members of Morris Academy, were drowned in the 
Great Pond. The moon shone brightly. As others were 
skating, they ran into a glade. An alarm was immedi- 
ately given, and every exertion made to find their bod- 
ies, but they could not be found till they had been under 
water about one hour. Attempts were then made to 
resuscitate them, but in vain. They were amiable 
youths, loud of each other, and in a very melancholy 
manner united in death. 

Litchfield was first represented in the General As- 
sembly, in the year 1740, at their May session. The 
first Representatives were Joseph Bird and Ebenezer 
Marsh. The taxable property at that time, was £8000, 
equal to 826,666 -iVo- A few years past, the grand list 
was SI 12,000. 

The first Episcopal Society was formed in this town, 
about the year 1746 ; but they had only occasional 
preaching till the year 1754. Then, Mr. Solomon Pal- 
mer, who had been just dismissed from the Church in 
Cornwall, took the charge of the Episcopal congregation 
in this town, and that of New-Milford at the same time, 
and preached to them alternately. Mr. Palmer contin- 
ued here till the year 1763, when he was removed to the 
Episcopal congregation in New-Haven. In 1766, he 
resumed his charge in this town, and continued in it till 
his death in the year 1770. While Mr. Palmer was at 
New-Haven, Mr. Davis succeeded him, but soon after 
died. Mr. Nichols succeeded Mr. Palmer. 

Mr. Ashbel Baldwin, a native of this town, succeed- 
ed Mr. Nichols; but, after a few years, removed to Strat- 
ford in the county of Fairfield. Mr. Butler succeeded 
]Mr. Baldwin ; but after a few years, went to Reading. 



in the County of Litchfield. 101 

Mr. Truman Marsh, a native of this town, succeeded 
Mr. Butler, and continued in the ministry till the year 
1810; when, on account of ill health, and the loss of his 
voice, he declined the service. He is still living, and 
teaches a grammar school in this town. Since Mr. 
Marsh left the desk, Mr. Jones, who was dismissed 
from the pastoral charge of the church and congrega- 
tion in Woodbridge, has supplied it, and still preaches 
here. 

A remarkable revival of religion began in Litchfield, 
June, 1808 ; and the same year there were added to the 
church, 101 persons. 

The county of Litchfield was organized by an Act 
of the General Assembly, at their October session, in 
the year 1751 ; and Litchfield was then made the shire 
town. 

The following is a list of the Judges of the Court of 
Common Pleas, from the year 1751 to the year 1812. 

Accessus. Exitus. 



William Preston, 


1751 


1754 


John Williams, 


1754 


1774 


Oliver Wolcott, 


1774 


1786 


Daniel Sherman, 


1786 


1791 


Joshua Porter, 


1791 


1808 


Aaron Austin, 


1808 




JUSTICES OF THE qUORUM. 






Accessus. 


Exitus. 


John Williams, 


1751 


1754 


Samuel Canfield, 


1751 


1754 


Ebenezer Marsh, 


1751 


1772 


Joseph Bird, 


1753 


1754 


Noah Hinman, 


1754 


1759 


Elisha Sheldon, 


1754 


1761 


Increase Mosely, 


1755 


1780 


Roger Sherman, 


1759 


1762 


Daniel Sherman, 


1761 


1786 


Bushnel Bostwick, 


1762 


1776 


Joshua Porter, 


1772 


1791 


Samuel Canfield, 


1777 


1790 


Jedediah Strong, 


1780 


1791 


Heman Swift, 


1786 


1802 



102 A Statistical Account of several Tawn& 

Justices of tilt Quorum, 

Jlccessus. Exitus. 

Aaron Austin, 1790 1808 

Nathan Hale, 1791 1809 

David Smith, 1791 

Daniel N. Brinsmade, 1802 

Judson Canfield, 1808 

Birdsey Norton, 1809...diedMarch, 1812- 

Augustus Pettibone, 1812 

Uriel Holmes, 1814 

CLERKS OF THE COURT OF COMMOJ^ PLEAS. 

Accessus. Exitus. 

Isaac Baldwin, 1751 1793 

Frederick Wolcott, 1793 
and appointed Clerk of 

the Superior Court, 179a 

SHERIFFS. 

Accessus. Exitus. 

Oliver Wolcott, 1751 1772 

Lynde Lord, 1772 1801 

John R. Landon, 1801 

The first Court of Probate establislied in the district 
of Litchfield, was in the year 1747. 

JUDGES OF PROBATE. 

Accessus. Exitus. 

Ebenezer Marsh, 1747 1772 

Oliver Wolcott, 1772 1796 

Frederick Wolcott, 1796 

TVtWJV-CLERKS OF LITCHFIELD, from its frst settlemmi. 

Accessus. Exitus. 

John Marsh, 
John Bird, 
Joshua Garret, 
Isaac Baldwin, 
Jedediah Strong, 
Moses Seymour, 

The first Association of Ministers in the county of 
Litchfield, was held in this town, on the 7th day of Ju- 
ly, 1752 ; and at the same time was held the first Con- 
sociation. The Ministers present were, 



1721 


1733 


1733 


1738 


1738 


1742 


1742 


1773 


1773 


1789 


1789 





in the County of Litchfield, 103 

Kev. Anthony Stoddard, Woodbury„ 

John Graham, Southbury. 

Timothy ColHnSj Litchfield. 

Solomon Palmer, Cornwall. 
Andrew Bartholomew, Harwinton. 

Nathaniel Roberts, Torrington. 

Stephen Heaton, Goshen. 

Joseph Bellamy, Bethlehem. 

Thomas Canfield, Roxbury. 

Daniel Brinsmade, Judea, now Washington. 

Nathaniel Taylor, New-Milford. 

John Searle, Sharon. 

Registers of the Association and Consociation. 

Accessus. Exitus. 

Rev. John Graham, 1752 1766 

Judah Champion, 1766 1772 

Jeremiah Day, 1772 1795 

Amos Chase, 1795 

The Consociation becoming too numerous to meet 
und do business with convenience, did, on the 7th day of 
Sept. 1791, mutually agree upon the following division 
of the Consociation. That the pastors and churches of 
Litchfield, South-Farms, Bethlehem, Woodbury, South- 
bury, South-Britain, Roxbury, New-Milford, New-Pres- 
ton, Judea, Westbury, (now Watertown,) Northbury, 
(now Plymouth,) and Harwinton, shall be made and 
constituted into one Consociation, known by the name 
of the South Consociation in Litchfield coimty. And 
that the pastors and churches of Canaan, North- Canaan, 
Salisbury, Sharon, Goshen, Kent, Torrington, Torring- 
ford, Winchester, Norfolk, Cornwall, Warten, Win- 
stead, West-Britain, and West-Simsbury, be one Con- 
sociation, known by the name of the North Consocia- 
tion in Litchfield county. Since the above formation 
of the Consociation, the societies of Northfield, Milton, 
and Bridge water, have been incorporated, and joined 
the South Consociation. Tlie pastor and church in 
New-Milford have since joined the Consociation in Fair- 
field county : And the pastor and church in Sherman, 
in Fairfield county, have joined the South Consociation 
in Litchfield county. West-Britain, (now Burlington,) 



104 j4 Statistical Account of several Towns 

and West-Simsbury, (now Canton,) belong to the coun- 
ty of Hartford ; but the pastors and churches joined the 
North Consociation in Litchfield county. 

The stated meetings of the Association are annually in 
June and October : that of the Consociation, in June. 

South-Farms was incorporated into an ecclesiastical 
society, in the year 1767. In the year 1753, when Mr. 
Champion was settled in Litchfield, there were but 30 
families in tkis parish : when it was incorporated, it 
contained 70. 

The first Society's meeting was on the 23d day of 
Nov. 1748. Thomas Harrison, Esq. was chosen mod- 
erator, and Jacob Woodruff, Esq. society's clerk. 

The first school-house was voted to be built in the 
year 1747. 

In the year 1764, the inhabitants agreed to build 
their first church. It was only one story high, 34 feet 
by 32. 

Since the year 1781, this society has been gradually 
improving both in industry and morals ; and has been 
more united and harmonious, both in their political and 
religious opinions, than most parishes in the State, du- 
ting the same period. The inhabitants continued to 
meet in the church which they first built, till the year 
1785 ; when they erected another, sufiiciently large and 
decent, and finished it within twenty weeks from the 
time when they began the frame. A few years after, a 
steeple was added to it, and a Bell procured. 

In the year 1787, on the 27th day of June, the Rev. 
Amos Chase was ordained to the work of the ministry. 
He was a native of Cornish, in the State of New-Hamp- 
shire, and was graduated at Dartmouth, 1780. Mr. 
Chase continued his pastoral charge till 1814. 

The first person buried in South- Farms, was in- 
terred in the month of March, 1749, viz. Mr. James 
Stoddard : he was killed at the raising of a dwelling- 
house. 

It is forty years since the society of South-Farms was 
incorporated ; and since that time there have been 455 
deaths. The dates of their lives are as follows : 



in the County of Ltk^hfield. 105 

Those that have died between the birth and ten 

years, are 227 

between 10 and 20, 33 

between 20 and 30, 25 

between 30 and 40, 22 

between 40 and 50, 28" 

between 50 and 60, 24 

between 60 and 70, 44 

between 70 and 80, 29 

between 80 and 90, 14 

between 90 and 100, 9 

Total, 455 
228 have lived over ten years, and 
227 have died under ten years of age — May, 1812. 
The average number of deaths for this period, is a 
little more than ten annually. 

There are in South-Farms six school districts, in 
which schools are kept through the year ; by males in 
the winter ; and by females in the summer. In these, 
about 160 children are taught in each season. 

The members of the church in this society, May 1st, 
1812, were 41 males, and 64 females : total, 105. The 
baptisms since June 27, 1787, are 210. 

The number of inhabitants in South- Farms, accord- 
ing to the census in 1810, was 1238. 

An Academy was begun in South-Farms, in the year 
1790 ; in which are taught the Latin and Greek lan- 
guages, English grammar, aridimetic, mathematics, 
rhetoric, logic, and moral philosophy. Several gentle- 
men within the parish, and in the town of Litchfield, 
built the house by subscription, at the expense of 1400 
dollars. More than 1400 scholars, of both sex&s, have 
been members of this school. More than 60 of these 
have entered Yale and other colleges. The school still 
continues. It was originally instituted for the purpose 
of improving the manners and morals of youths, and of 
attracting their attention from frivolity and dissipation. 

In the year 1785, a Social Library was begun in this 
society, by a few persons. In the year 1791, a consti- 
tution was formed ; and the proprietors became more 



i05 A Statistical Account of several Towns 

numerous. The library consists of between 300 and 
400 volumes of well-chosen books, of ancient and mod* 
em history, and divinity. 

North FIELD. The parish of Northfield was incor- 
porated by an act of the General Assembly, at their 
October session, in the year 1794. This parish is situ- 
ated in the south-east corner of Litchfield ; and it in- 
eludes within its limits a part of the township of Plym- 
outh. It is bounded on the east by Harwinton, or more 
properly on Waterbury river, u^hich divides it from 
Harwinton, and on a i)art of Plymouth ; on the south by 
Plymouth, and a part of Watertown ; on the west by 
the society of South- Farms ; and on the north by the 
first society in Litchfield. 

There are two churches in Northfield ; one for Con- 
j^regationalists, and one for Episcopalians. That for 
Congregationaiists was built soon after the society was 
incorporated ; and that for Episcopalians, some time 
before. 

The surface of this parish is uneven, and in many 
parts stony, rough, and hard for tillage. The soil is 
generally good, and produces good grass and grain. 
Orchards flourish well. 

The people settled their first minister, February 17th, 
1795 ; viz. the Rev. Joseph E. Camp. Mr. Camp still 
continues in the work of the ministry, 

Milton. The parish of Milton is situated in the 
northwest corner of Litchfield. It includes within its 
limits, a part of Goshen, a part of Cornwall, and a part 
of Warren. Milton was incorporated by the General 
Assembly, at the May session, 1795. 

The first minister, settled in Milton, was Mr. Benja- 
min Judd, who was installed, May, 1802 ; and dismiss- 
ed, October, 1804. On the 16th of SeptCRiber, 1807, 
the Rev. Abraham Fowler was installed here, was dis-, 
missed, and still continues the ministry at Milton. 

There are in this society, two churches ; one for Con- 
gregationalistSj and one for Episcopalians ; both unfin- 
ished. 



in the County of Litchfield. 107 

The surface is uneven and stony, with many large 
primitive rocks ; and, though good grazing land, is hard 
for tillage. It abounds in the sugar maple, and sugar has 
been made here in considerable quantities. I'he an- 
cient mode of extracting the sap for sugar, was by box- 
ing the tree ; but in later years, the trees are only bored, 
and, when the season is over, are plugged, by people 
who are careful. 

Within the parochial limits of Milton, there are five 
saw-mills ; two grist-mills ; two iron works ; one trip- 
hammer ; one carding machine for wool \ one machine 
for manufacturing wooden clocks ; one waggon-maker ; 
two turners ; two shoe-makers ; six whole school dis- 
tricts, and six school-houses, in which schools are kept 
through the year, by males in the winter season, and 
by females in the summer. The price for school-mas- 
ters, is from 9 to 12 dollars per month, and their board ; 
for school-mistresses, from 5 to 6 shillings per week, 
and their board. 

Mr, John Denison, now living in the parish, is 75 
years old : his wife (who has lived with him 53 years) 
is now 71 years old. They have had fourteen children, 
all of whom are living ; viz. nine sons, and five daugh- 
ters. The eldest, a son, is 51 years old ; the youngest, 
also a son, 22. 

The oldest man within the limits of the town of 
I-.itchfield, lives in this parish ; viz. Mr, Reuben Dick- 
inson, aged 97. 

The mother of the late Juds^ Adams was born in 
Stratford, in the year 1698 ; and died in this town in the 
year 1803 ; aged 105. She lived in three centuries ; and 
was of a pleasant temper, amiable manners, temperate 
habits, and regular in all her deportment. Of this de- 
scription, have been the lives of several other persons, 
who have died in this town, between the age of 90 and 
100 years. 

The number of paupers in this town, is 38 ; of whom 
eight are foreigners, and supported by the State. The 
whole exj)ense, in the year 1811, was 1500 dollars. 
They are boarded out in different families, under the 



108 A Statistical Account of several Towns 

care and direction of the selectmen. In the month of 
January, 1812, the town voted to purchase, or build, an 
alms-house, \vith a suitable quantity of land adjoining, 
for the purpose of keeping such of the paupers, as 
should be able to labour, to some constant employment 
under the inspection of an overseer. The land and 
buildings have been procured at the expense of nearly 
one thousand dollars ; and such paupers, as could be 
conveniently moved, are placed in said alms-house. 

His Excellency Oliver Wolcott, Esq. of this town, 
was born in Windsor, December, 1726 ; son of the Hon. 
Roger Wolcott, Esq. a former Governor of the colony 
of Connecticut. Oliver Wolcott was graduated at Yale 
College, in the year 1747. He commanded a company 
of soldiers in 1748, in the war against the French, in 
Canada. After one campaign, he retired from military 
service, studied the profession of physic, and com- 
menced the practice in Goshen. In the year 1751, he 
was appointed high sheriff of Litchfield county, remov- 
ed to this town, and continued in the office of sheriif 
till the year 1772. He represented this town in the 
General Assembly, in the year 1770. In the year 1772, 
he was chosen a member of the Council. In 1772, he 
was appointed Judge of Probate for the district of 
Litchfield. In the year 1774, he was appointed Judge 
of the Court of Common Pleas. In the year 1775, he 
was chosen a Representative in Congress, and was pres- 
ent at the declaration of Independence. He continued 
a member of the Council till the year 1786, and was 
then chosen Lieutenant-Governor of this State. In this 
office he continued till the year 1796, and was then cho- 
sen Governor; and in this office he died, December 1st, 
1797. The duties of all these stations, he discharged 
with unshaken integrity and firmness ; courted favours 
from no man ; and neither sought, nor obtained, any 
end by intrigue, or from interested motives. He was 
singularly modest, and even diffident, in his intercourse 
with men, in the common walks of life. Those who 
best knew this gentleman, well knew that the highest 
trust was never improperly placed in him. Two ques- 



in the Court ft/ of Idtchjield, 109 

tions only were asked by him, while discharging the 
duties of the several offices of high responsibility, which 
he held ; viz. What is right ? and, What is my duty ? 
He possessed a benevolent heart, and was warm in his 
friendships ; a firm friend to order ; a promoter of 
peace ; a lover of religion ; and a tried, unshaken friend 
to the institutions of the Gospel. He was an indefati- 
gable student ; and neither wasted his time, nor his 
words. His mind was clear and penetrating ; his views 
of political subjects, just and comprehensive ; his dis- 
cernment of the wisest means to promote the best ends, 
ready and exact ; and his acquaintance with science, 
particularly with Theology, extensive. He had a re- 
markable talent at investigation ; and '^ nothing satis- 
fied him but proof." He has left a name, which is a 
sweet savour to his surviving friends ; and a lively hope, 
that he is enjoying the rewards of the faithful in immor- 
tal bliss. 

The Hon. Uriah Tracy, of this town, was born in 
Norwich, in the year 1754. He was graduated, in the 
year 1778, at Yale College. Soon after he came into 
this town, he placed himself under the tuition of Judge 
Keeve, as a student of law, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1781. He was popular and respectable as an 
attorney, and was succ^essful in managing causes. He 
passed through the several military offices, until he rose 
to the rank of a Major -General. He was regularly 
chosen by the town their Representative in the Gene- 
ral Assembly, from the year 1788 till the year 1793, 
when he was elected a Representative in Congress. 
This station he held till the year 1800, when he was ap- 
pointed a Senator ; and continued in this office till his 
death, July, 1807. He died at the seat of government, 
much lamented by his numerous friends and acquaint- 
ance. By his opponents in political opinions, he was 
highly respected. His mind was large and comprehen- 
sive : he had an extensive knowledge of the human 
character ; and few excelled him as a politician. Few 
men have had more wit, or used it more pleasantly. 
When acting as Attorney for the State, he managed 



110 A Statistical Account of several Towns 

his causes in such a manner as to do honour to the 
law, without unnecessarily wounding the feehngs cither 
of the prisoner, or of his friends. Liberal in his views, 
and generous in his feeUngs, he was at all times ready 
to alleviate the distresses, and relieve the wants, of the 
wretched. As a religious man, he did not terminate 
his thoughts in mere speculation, but embraced the 
Gospel with the heart. It may emphatically be said of 
Mr. Tracy, that his last days were his best days, and 
his last comforts the sweetest. 

The Hon. Andrew Adams, of this town, was born in 
Stratford, January, 1736 ; and was graduated at Yale 
College, September, 1769. After he had completed his 
collegiate education, he entered upon the study of law ; 
and was admitted to the bar in the county of Fairfield. 
He then resided a short time at Stamford, and came to 
Litchfield in 1764. Soon after, he was appointed a Jus- 
tice of the Peace. He was chosen Representative to 
the General Assembly, in the year 1776, and continu- 
ed to represent this town till the year 1781. He was 
chosen Assistant in 1781, and a Representative in Con- 
gress about the same time. In May, 1793, he was ap- 
pointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court, and contin- 
ued in this office till his death, in his sixty- second year, 
November 27, 1796. As a lawyer, few exceeded him ; 
especially in managing causes before a jury. He was 
an able judge. 



■in the County of Litchjield. Ill 

WASHINGTON. 

Washington was incorporated by the General Assem- 
bly, at an adjourned session, held in the month of Feb- 
ruary, 1779. It includes Judca, New- Preston, and a 
part of the original township of Litchfield, at the south- 
west corner, which is within the parochial limits of 
South-Farms. The lines have been given, by Daniel 
N. Brinsmade, Esq. in the following manner : viz. "Be- 
ginning at the south-west corner of Judea parish ; thence 
running a straight line easterly, to the south-west corner 
of Bethlehem, five miles and about one quarter of a 
mile ; thence north by Bethlehem to Litchfield line, it 
being the north-west corner of Bethlehem ; thence con- 
tinuing north in a straight line, to the north-east corner 
of the tract annexed from Litchfield ; (the east line of 
Washington, so far as it is straight, is between five and 
six m^iles ;) thence in a north-westerly direction, across 
the western part of Mount Tom, to Mount Tom bridge, 
crossing the western branch of Shippauge river ; thence 
in a liae westerly, between Washington and Warren, to 
the West Fond ; thence across said Pond ninety rods, 
to Fairweather's Grant. The diagonal line, from the 
north-east corner of Washington to Mount Tom bridge, 
is about two miles and an half : the north line is about 
five miles in length. From the north-west corner of 
Washington, the line runs about south, between ^Vash- 
ington and Kent, one mile and an half, to New-Milford 
line ; thence still south to the south line of New-Mil- 
ford, north purchase ; thence southerly to the south-east 
bounds of the parish of New- Preston, about one mile 
and an half; thence by New-Milford, about three miles 
and an half, to the first mentioned bounds." The town- 
ship of Washington, if it lay in a regular form, would 
be a little more than six miles square, containing about 
,28,500 acres. 

Washington has several quarries of marble. Two 
mills are constantly employed in sawing it. 

There is a mineral spring in the north-west part of the 
parish of Judea. Its waters have not been analyzed, 
but are said to be efficacious in some disorders. 



112 •^ Statistical Account of several Toivris 

There are in Washington, 2 forges for iron ; 

4 grist-mills ; 

1 slitting-mill ; 

2 fulling-mills ; 
2 trip-hammers ; 

2 carding machines for wool ; 
1 flax-mill ; 

1 nail manufactory ; 

5 saw-mills ; and 
50 looms. 

There are also, 4 tailors ; 

11 shoe-makers ; 
4 waggon and cart- makers ; 

7 carpenters ; 

2 cabinet-makers ; 
2 hatters ; 

1 saddler and harness-maker ; 

8 joiners ; 

8 blacksmiths ; 

4 bloomers ; 

7 coopers ; 

7 merchants trading in dry- 
goods and groceries ; 
11 school districts ; 
11 school-houses. 

Minerals. Iron ore has been found in two places. 
Lime-stone abounds. Good lime is made in considerable 
quantities. Ochre of a reddish cast, fuller's earth, and 
white clay fitted for fine pottery, are also found here. 

JuDEA., the first society in Washington, was incorpo- 
rated by the General Assembly, in the year 1741, and 
took the name of Judea ; having before been included in 
the ecclesiastical society of Woodbury. 

The first settlement within the parochial limits of Ju- 
dea, was made by Joseph Hurlburt, about the year 
1734. The first framed house was built in the year 
1736. The next settlers after Hurlburt, were Increase 
Moseley, Nathaniel Durkee, John Baker, Friend Weeks, 
Joseph Gillet, and Samuel Pitcher. 

The first sermon, preached in this society, was by Mr. 
Isaac Baldwin, of Litchfield, who afterwards relinquish- 



tn the County of Litchjidd. 



ii; 



ed the desk, and became the first Clerk of the Court of 
Common Pleas in the county of Litchfield. All the 
inhabitants attended on this occasion ; and were ac- 
commodated, in a small room, in Mr. Hurlburt's dwell- 
ing-house. 

The Rev. Reuben Judd, tlie first minister settled in 
this society, was ordained September 1st, 1742. The 
ordination was attended, in a grove, near Mr. Samuel 
Pitcher's, who then resided about half a mile south of 
the present dwelling-house of Daniel N. Brinsmade, 
Esq. The first Church was formed here, on the same 
day; and consisted of 12 male members. The same 
year, 10 females were added to the church ; and from 
that time to May, 1746, there were added 47 other per- 
sons ; making, in the whole number, 69. Eighty-one 
baptisms are recorded in the same period. Mr. Judd 
continued in the pastoral office less than five years. He 
was dismissed, May 6th, 1747 ; but the occasion of his 
dismission does not appear. 

In September, 1748, Mr. Daniel Brinsmade was invi- 
ted to preach in this society, as a candidate ; and was 
ordained in March, 1749.. He died here, 44 }ears and 
nearly two months after his ordination, aged 74 years. 
Mr. Brinsmade had a clear and comprehensive mind, 
and was a pious and able instructor ; but was not distin- 
guished for pulpit eloquence. He was consciencious 
and inflexible, in his attachment to the doctrines of Chris- 
tianity, as they were understood by the Reformeis; and 
died in full possession of the esteem and affection of his 
people. May, 1793. 

In the year 1784, the Rev. Noah Merwin, who had 
been dismissed from Farmington, was invited to preach 
in this society ; and with an unanimous suflVage of the 
congregation was installed as colleague with the Rev. 
Mr. Brinsmade, March 9th, 1785. Mr. Merwin died 
April 12th, 1795, about two years after the death of Mr. 
Brinsmade. Mr. Merwin was sound in the faith of the 
Gospel, and had an easy flow of thoughts, an engaging 
address, and treated the subjects of his discourses in 
such a manner, as both to please and instruct. His 
knowledge of mankind, his affuble and winning deport- 



114 A Statistical Account of several Towns 

inent, gave him more than an ordinary share in the good 
will of liis parishioners. 

The Rev. Ebenezer Porter was ordained to the pas- 
toral office over this church and congregation, Septem- 
ber 7th, 1796; and was dismissed December 18th, 1811.^ 
having been elected Bartlett Professor of Sacred Rhet- 
oric, in the Theological Seminary at Andover, in Mas- 
sachusetts. 

The first settlers of this society met for public wor- 
ship in a barn. The first church was built, by eight 
proprietors, in the year 1742. The second church was 
raised in the year 1751 ; and about the year 1786, a 
steeple was added to it, and a bell procured. In Jiily, 
1800, this church was set on fire by an insane man, na- 
med David Titus ; but, by a seasonable discovery of the 
fire, the calmness of the night, and the exertions of the 
people, the flames were extinguished within an hour. 
On the night of the 30th of April, 1801, the same build- 
ing was again set on fire by the same man ; it being un- 
known till this time that he did the mischief before. 
The fire was put into the steeple, about midnight ; and 
had made such progress, before it was discovered, that 
no exertions were made to extinguish it. The witness- 
es to this distressing scene were scarcely able to pre- 
serve the neighbouring buildings from destruction. As 
no alarm could be given by the bell, many of the in- 
habitants, and some within half a mile, were ignorant of 
the disaster until the next morning. The following 
week, at a general society's meeting, the people voted 
imanimously to build another church ; and soon after 
agreed upon the spot, where it should stand, without a 
dissenting voice. With one heart and hand, they be- 
,<?-an the work in the month of May, 1801 ; and within 
six months from the first stroke, the building was so fiir 
advanced, that the people assembled in it for public 
worship on thanksgiving day, in November ; and with- 
in eighteen months and one week from the first stroke, 
it was completely finished. It is a fact v.'orthy of no- 
tice, that although the expense amounted to about six 
thousand dollars, and a speedy payment was indispensa- 
ble ; yet not one individual was called upon, by legal 
process, to furnish his proportion. 



>' 



intlie County of Litchfield. \\S 

With but one exception, the people of this society- 
have been uniformly prosperous and happy ; have never 
been split into sects ; and have deservedly acquired the 
reputation of being industrious, orderly, and harmoni- 
ous. The exception above alluded to, was from the 
year 1774, to the year 1784- ; it being the last ten years 
of Mr. Briasmade's ministry. This exception was a 
contention respecting terms of communion, and the bap- 
tism of children. It is worthy of notice, that during 
the whole of this period, which was ten years, only three 
persons were added to the church. 

The persons admitted into the church, by the several 
pastors, are as follows, viz. 



By Mr. Judd, 69 

By Mr. Brinsmade, 130 

By Mr. Merwin, 35 

By Mr. Porter, 135 

Total, 3G7 



Baptisms. 
By Mr. Judd, 81 

By Mr. Brinsmade, 306 
By Mr. Merwin, 78 
By Mr. Porter, 225 



Total, 690 

Of the foregoing number, the proportion of males and 
females admitted into the church, is as follows, viz. 







Males. 


Fema 


In Mr. 


Judd's time. 


32 


37 


In Mr. 


Brinsmade's, 


56 


74 


In Mr. 


Merwin's, 


13 


22 


In Mr. 


Porter's, 


53 


82 



Total, 154 215 

Marriages by Mr. Brinsmade, 128 couples, 

by Mr. Merwin, 37 do. 
by Mr. Porter, 86 do. 

by Magistrates, 44 do. 

Total, 295 

Judea has been remarkably healthy. In nearly fifteen 
years, during Mr. Porter's ministry, the bills of mortal- 
ity have been accurately kept. The whole number of 
deaths, since the year 1796, up to December, 1811, has 
been 148 — 75 of this number have died under 40 years 
of age, and 73 have lived over the age of 40 years — 30 
of this, number lived over 70 vears ; 13 over 80, and 2 



116 .1 Statistical Account of several Towns 

over 90 years. This is a specimen of health and lon- 
gevity, which is extremely rare : a little less than one 
out of three having passed 70 years ; and almost half 
having exceeded 40 years. There have been no epi- 
demics here, during this period. The diseases, of which 
these persons died, were the following : Of the palsy 
and apoplexy, 11 — dropsy, 17 — inflammations, 15 — con- 
vulsions, 3 — cancer, 2 — cholera morbus, 2 — dysentery, 
2 — consumption, 18. It is worthy of notice, that twice 
as many died, in the months, from November to Feb- 
ruary, as from June to September. There have been 
a very few instances of the typhus and spotted fevers. 

In a former period, viz. in the year 1753, a putrid fe- 
ver prevailed in this parish, of which about 30 persons 
died in the space of six months. In the year 1776, the 
dysentery carried off about 30 persons. The average 
of deaths, since the year 1788, up to January, 1812, 
has been about one person to one hundred of the inhab- 
itants, annually. 

Twenty-one persons have died in this society, either 
of violent, or untimely, deaths : of which number, 6 
were drowned ; 3 were killed with fire-arms ; 4 were 
found abroad, dying or dead ; 1 was killed with a pen- 
knife ; 2 children were burnt to death, in the heat of a 
coal-pit ; and 5 were murdered. 

Two dwelling-houses have been struck with lightning, 
witliout injuring any person ; three have been burnt by ' 
accident, and one by design. 

Of the five persons murdered, it may be proper to 
give an account. The murder was committed by Bar- 
nett Devenport ; and, taken wdth all the attending cir- 
cumstances, it Was one of the most inhuman, atrocious, 
and horrible deeds, ever perpetrated in New- England. 
From the criminal's own confession, it appears, that his 
parentage and early education were exactly fitted to pro- 
duce his v/icked life, and his tragical end. Untutored, 
and unrestrained, by parental government, he was left 
to grow up at random. In the morning of life, no mo- 
ra !ity was incidcatcd on him, and no sense of religion, 
cither by precept or example. On the contrary, he was, 
from early years, unprincipled, profane, and impious. 



in the County of Litchjield. 117 

Before he was 9 years old, he was expert in cursing and 
swearing, and an adept in mischief. At 1 1 years, he 
began to pilfer. At 13, he stole money. At 15, he en- 
tertained thoughts of murder ; and rapidly waxed hard- 
er and bolder in wickedness. At 19, he actually mur- 
dered a family in cold blood. As a friendless, wander- 
ing stranger, he was taken into the house of Mr. Caleb 
Mallory, and treated with the utmost kindness, in the 
month of December, 1779. Scarcely had two months 
elapsed, before the murder was determined upon. The 
night of the 3d of February, 1780, was fixed on, to ex- 
ecute the horrid purpose. With a heart hard as ada- 
mant, he lighted a candle, went into the lodging-room, 
of his benefactors, and beat them to death with a club. 
A little grand-child, being with its grand-parents, shared, 
the same flite ; and two others were left, in sound sleep, 
to perish in the flames. Having kindled a fire in three 
of the rooms, he fled, after robbing the house of its most 
valuable articles, from the murdered family and burning 
house. But from an accusing conscience, and from the 
hand of justice, which followed hard upon his steps, he 
was unable to flee. He Was taken, and executed, by 
sentence of Court, the May ensuing, at Litchfield. — 
What a lesson is this, to parents, who neglect the reli- 
gious education of their families ! When children are 
trained up without the worship and fear of God, let it 
not be thought strange, if " their mouths are full of curs- 
ing, and their feet swift to shed blood." 

Increase Moseley, Esq. was the first, who held the 
office of Constable in this society ; the first Captain of 
the militia ; the first society's Clerk ; the first Deacon 
of the church ; and the first Justice of the Peace : and 
he was twenty-five years a Justice of the Quorum, for 
the county of Litchfield. He then moved to Vermont ; 
and was made Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for 
the county of Rutland, where he died. He was a man 
of sound integrity ; and sought the peace and happiness 
of his fellow-men. 

The inhabitants of this society originally came from 
the following places ; viz. Waterbury, Norwich, Rox- 



1 13 A Statistical Account of several Toxvns 

bury, (Mass.) Stratford, Lebanon, Guilford, Branford,. 
INlilford, Middletown, Farmington, East-Haven, Suf- 
field, Voluntown, Wallingford, England, and Seaconk, 
(Rhode-Island.) 

The number of inhabitants in the whole to^vn of 
Washington, in the year 1800, was 1568 ; and in 1810, 
1575. About 395 families have moved out of the so- 
ciety of Judea, since its first settlement ; which, at a 
common estimate of six to a family, must include 2370 
persons, being 795 more than the present population of 
the whole town. 

After Mr. Judd's dismission, Mr. John Searle, who 
was afterwards settled in the ministry at Sharon, preach- 
ed for some time in this society ; concerning whom, one 
remi.rkable fact is related. A number of young per- 
sons met one evening, at a tavern, about a quarter of a 
mile south of the present meeting-house, and indulged 
themselves in noisy mirth. The next Sabbath, Mr. 
Searle, as a faithful minister, reproved their conduct in 
a sermon against vain recreations. In the midst of the 
sermon, one of the hearers, a young man, rose from his 
seat, with expressions of contempt, and went out of the 
church. After a moment's pause, and while the young 
man w^as yet in the house, the preacher addressed him 
to this effect : " Perhaps you may never have another 
opportunity to come to this place ; but I leave it with 
the great God." The young man went home ; was ta- 
ken sick ; languished a few days ; and died without any 
bodily pain. 



in the County of LitchfiekL 119 

NORFOLK. 

I am indebted to the Rev. Amnii R. Robbins, for the 
following facts relating to this town. 

Norfolk is nine miles in length, and four and an half 
in breadth ; containing forty square miles. It is bound- 
ed on the north by New- Marlborough, (Mass.) ; on the 
east by Colebrook and Winchester ; on the south by 
Goshen ; and on the west by Canaan. 

Within the limits of the township are five Ponds, viz. 
one about two miles in circumference, called Benedict's 
Pond ; one about a mile in circumference, called Toby's 
Pond ; and three others smaller, one of which forms the 
head of Waterbury river, and is called Balcom's Pond. 

The inhabitants of this town were incorporated by an 
act of the General Assembly, in the year 1758. 

Norfolk forms but one ecclesiastical society. From 
scattering individuals, the first Church, which consisted 
of 23 members, was gathered and formed on the 24th of 
December, in the year 1760, by the Rev. Daniel Far- 
rand, minister in Canaan. 

The settlement of Norfolk began in the }ear 1744. 
This township, and several of the adjacent ones, were 
owned by the then Colony of Connecticut ; and they 
were severally sold at public vendue, at Middletown, in 
the year 1742, Timothy Horsford, of Windsor, took a 
deed of one right of 400 acres, w hich he retained. All 
the other proprietors relinquished their rights, and for- 
feited their first payment, which was 40 shillings on a 
right. The town was originally laid out in 53 rights ; 
of which, one was reserved for a parsonage, one ior the 
benefit of schools, and one for the first minister, l^im- 
othy Horsford sold his right to Tilus Brovvu, v\ ho aikr- 
wards removed to this tovrn, and died here. 

The names of the first settlers of the tovvaiship, are as 
follows : Titus and Cornelius Brown, from Windsor ; 
John Turner, and Jcdediah Ricb.ards, from Martford. 
They lived on Brown's right. Tliey were pious and ex- 
emplary families, and attended public worship in Ca- 
naan. ' ^ 

In the year 1754, Norfolk was sold at public vendue, 
at Middletown, a second time, excepting Brown's right. 



120 A Statistical Account of several Toxims 

' Soon after, a number of industrious, worthy fanulies 
settled in it. Most of the early settlers li\cd to old 
age, and were firm friends of religious order, and vital 
piety. 

The first sermon was preached here by a Mr. Treat, 
who had been settled in the ministry, and who was then 
a temporary resident in Norfolk. After this, several 
candidates for the ministry v/ere successi\cly employed. 
At length, application was made to Mr. Awimi R. Rob- 
bins, of Branford, to preach as a candidate ; and he re- 
ceived an unanimous call of the church and society to 
settle with them in the ministry, Mr. Robbins was or- 
dained by the consociation of Litchfield county, on the 
28th day of October, 1761. He died in 1813. 

The number of families in Norfolk, when Mr. Rob^ 
J bins was settled, was about sixty. From that time to 

the year 1799, there was a gradual increase of inhabits 
ants, till the number of families amounted to about 290. 
Since the present century commenced, the number has 
been rather diminishing by emigrations, to the northern 
and western parts of the United States. 

Norfolk, generally, has been remarkably united, pros- 
perous, and happy ; and has had few or no sectaries. 
Under the pious instructions of their minister, and by 
means of the exemplary piety of the first settlers, their 
habits have been regularly formed. Situated on high 
ground, and enjoying a salubrious atmosphere and pure 
water, the inhabitants have been blessed with a greater 
share of health, than has generally prevailed in most 
other parts of this State. Yet the inhabitants have not 
been entirely exempted from epidemics. In the years 
1777 and 1778, ninety-four persons died in Norfolk, be- 
sides several others in the army. 

Instances of longevity have been frequent in this town. 
Several men and women have lived over 90 years, and 
one over 100. 

The number of inhabitants, in 1800, was 1649 ; and, 
in 1810, 1441. The average number of deaths, for half 
a century past, has been 15 annually. 

The number of the members of the church, when it 
was gathered, was 23. From the first formation of the 



in the County of Litchfield. \H 

church, to the settlement of Mr. Robbins^ 15 were add- 
ed ; most of them from other churches ; making the 
whole at that time, 38. From the time of Mr. Rob- 
bins' ordination, to the 1st of November, 1811, being- 
half a century, there were added to the church 511 : 
making, in the whole, 549. The number of baptisms 
daring the same period, was 1277- The number of 
deaths in the town, is 760, (exclusive of those who died 
in the revolutionary war :) Of these, more than half di- 
ed in infancy. The number of marriages, by Mr. Rob- 
bins, is 276 — many performed by the civil authorit}^ ; 
the number unknown. - 

In the foregoing period, there have been three signal 
revivals of religion ; the first in the year 1767; the sec- 
ond in the years 1783 and 1784 ; the third in the years 
1798 and 1799. The number added to the church, in 
consequence of these revivals, was 222. 

The first church in this town was built in the year 
1760 ; the second, (a handsome one,) in 1814. 

A probate district, called the District of Norfolk, was 
established by the General Assembly, in May, 1799. 
Giles Pettibone, Esq. was appointed Judge, ancl contin- 
ued in office till the year 1807. He then resigned ; and 
his son, Augustus Pettibone, Esq. was appointed in his 
place. 

Norfolk was first represented in the General Assem- 
bly, in October, 1777. The Representatives were Giles 
Pettibone and William Walter. 

Norfolk is mountainous. The soil in general is good, 
being a mixture of clay and sand. 

No lives have been lost here by damps. In the )-ear 
1774, two men digging a well, without a curb, were 
suddenly buried by the sand falling in upon them ; and 
notwithstanding the exertions of sundry people, the dead 
bodies were not found till many hours after. 

A stream runs near the centre of the town, and falls 
over a ledge of rocks about 30 feet in height. Mills of 
various kinds are erected on ancl near this fail ; and sev- 
eral manufactories. Among' them are two forges, in 
which are manufactured, (beside bar iron,) anchors, mill 
irons, cart and waggon tire, sleigii shoes, &c. 



122 ^4 Statistical Accqu7it of several Towns 

Norfolk abounds in excellent springs. 

The natural growth of timber, in the north part of the . 
town, is generally oak and chesnut ; in the south part, 
sugar maple, beech, ash, birch, white-wood, wild cher- 
ry, bass, and hemlock. From the sugar maple, there 
has been made upwards of twenty thousand weight of 
sugar in a season ; but since the lands have been more 
and more cleared, by progressive settlements, and in 
consequence of the destruction of maple trees by some 
violent tornadoes, the manufacturing of sugar is much 
diminished. 

The distance of Norfolk from market, or navigable 
waters, to Hartford, is 35 miles ; to Hudson, 42. 

There is a woollen manufactory in this town, which, 
with its appendages, employs from 10 to 15 workmen. 

The price of land, within the term of half a century 
past, has risQn from 300 to 400 per cent. 

Ox-teams are generally used for cultivation ; in a few 
instances, horses. The number of teams is about 200; 
the number of sheep, 4000. Beef and pork, in con- 
siderable quantities, are sent to market annually. But 
the soil being better suited to grass, than tillage, the 
attention of the inhabitants has been turned principally 
to dairies. 

In the year 1811, there were sent to market, 
100 tons of cheese, at S160 per ton, S16,000 
6 tons of butter, at S320 do. 1,920 

100 barrels of pork, at S12 per barrel, 1,200 

100 head of beef cattle, upon an average 

at S20 per head, 2,000 

Total, S2 1,120 
The Greenwoods turnpike, which passes through the 

centre of this town, leading from Hartford to Hudson, 

(N. Y.) was made in the year 1800. 

A post-oftice is kept in this town ; and a stiige runs 

from Hartford to Hudson, and returns the same week. 
The number of district schools is ten, kept ten months 

in each year ; in the winter season, by male instructors ; 

and in the summer, by females. The wages for school- 



hi the County of Litchjietd. 123 

masters, twelve dollars per month upon an average, and 
their board. 

The annual expense for supporting the town paupers, 
upon an average, is 300 dollars. 

The number of taverns is five. 

There are two social libraries in this town : neither 
of them large. There is also a charitable society ; and 
liberal contributions have been made for missionary 
purposes, and for the Bible society of this State, 



Ui 



A Statistical Accou7it, £iV. 




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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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